Letter: Playgrounds should be smoke free

Last September, our son and daughter-in-law from California visited us with their 8-month old daughter.

Comment

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

Writer

Posted Apr. 25, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Updated Apr 25, 2013 at 8:29 PM

Posted Apr. 25, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Updated Apr 25, 2013 at 8:29 PM

OAK RIDGE

To the Editor:

Last September, our son and daughter-in-law from California visited us with their 8-month old daughter. When we took Nora to the Cedar Hill playground, I was disgusted when two young mothers entered the toddler area and stood next to us smoking cigarettes as they pushed their young children in the swings. I had to remove my granddaughter from her swing so she would not be exposed to the strong odor. Finally, I had to ask the women to move away so we wouldn’t have to smell the smoke.

Children go to playgrounds to exercise and breathe fresh air, they should not be exposed to the secondhand smoke of inconsiderate people. I know some people will argue that it is “OK” to smoke outside since the smoke will dissipate, however, if the smoke is within range that it can be smelled, it is not safe. If smoking has been banned in outdoor areas such as Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee and on the campuses of Board of Regents universities (ETSU and MTSU, for example) to protect adults, it certainly should be banned from areas where our children play!

The right to breathe fresh air far outweighs “smokers’ rights.” I have never heard of a smoker dying from a “nicotine fit,” however, children have died from smoke-induced asthma attacks. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 dangerous chemicals. Children should not be exposed to these poisons. Besides the dangers of breathing secondhand smoke, children could be burned by running into a cigarette held by a smoker. Discarded cigarette butts pose a danger to small children who may get burned if they handle them or they could get sick if they put them in their mouth. In addition, many playgrounds have wood mulch and/or rubber surfaces that could burn if a discarded cigarette is thrown into it.

Unfortunately, state law TCA 39-17-1551 preempts cities from banning smoking in outdoor areas. I’m writing to ask people visiting the city playgrounds please restrict smoking within 50 feet of play areas.

I am working with Rep. John Ragan to change the law so cities can ban smoking in certain outdoor areas. It is not a popular subject with some of the smoking public and I know the powerful tobacco lobby would fight it. However, I feel the health of our precious children should be our top priority. People don’t have to smoke, but they do have to breathe! I would love to be able to take Nora to smoke-free playgrounds in Oak Ridge the next time she comes to visit!